Role of technology self-efficacy and digital alliance in digital mental health tool acceptance among university students in Singapore

Abstract

Mental health challenges, accentuated by stress, are escalating in high-income countries, especially among adolescents and university students. Traditional mental health approaches face issues such as scalability and accessibility, making the emergence of digital tools crucial. However, adherence remains a challenge. This study examines the role of technology self-efficacy and digital alliance in influencing the acceptance of digital mental health tools among Singaporean university students. The results provide strong support for the role of digital alliance as a key factor impacting a student’s intention to use mental health tools, as well as technology self-efficacy and digital alliance as serial mediators of task-technology fit and intention to use, highlighting our ever-evolving relationship with technology.